Moving art internationally

Are you buying a piece from Sotheby’s, New York? Or have you just sold your artwork to a buyer in Mexico? Whatever your requirements are, we are on hand to help.

Our infrastructure allows us to handle your collection or delivery needs from within all 147 countries, internationally. With industry-leading turnaround times ranging from 3 to 10 days, you can rest assured that we will handle your requirements with precision and care.

Next Steps

Want to find out more about moving your art? Discover the next steps of your journey with us.

step by step process

From packaging to transport and delivery, we treat each stage with precision and care. Follow the process below.

Common questions

Confused about moving art internationally? See the most commonly asked questions and their answers below.

 
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Next steps

 
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Contact

Once you have decided to transport your artwork, the next step is to contact us.

Remember, we provide a ‘no obligation’ free consultation service for all. We are happy to advise you on all aspects ranging from packing material options, through to recommended insurers.

Give us a call:

+44 (0) 20 7112 8252

Email us:

hello@saphoy.com

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Consultation

Whether you are an international student, or a gallery who have just sold an exquisite piece to an overseas buyer. Our consultations are free with ‘no obligations’ to use our service. We can provide consultations over the phone, at your home, an art studio or even a gallery. We also provide consultations for a number of select auction houses.

Give us a call:

+44 (0) 20 7112 8252

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Tailored quotation

Once we have a complete understanding of your unique requirements, we will provide a tailored quotation. It is important to know that our quotes are complete, including all costs such as packaging, insurance and customs charges. We pride ourselves on transparency. Once you accept our quotation, we share with you our T’s & C’s and insurance documentation.

Email us:

hello@saphoy.com

 
 
 
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The step by step process

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1. Packaging

Materials, the process and when to start...

 

Considering doing it yourself?

During transportation, your artwork may pass through many different hands and climates, so it’s important that you ensure your package arrives at its destination in pristine condition.

Here at Saphoy, we recommend t0 our customers to use specialist art packers wherever possible. If you’re in doubt about the best way to package your artwork or simply need some advice, feel free to contact us on 0207 112 8252.

Saphoy packaging

Years of handling artwork have led us to have unique processes for transporting the different types.

Paintings, smaller or larger than 40 inches. Framed paintings. Rolled canvas paintings. Flat artworks (i. e. photographs, drawings, etc.) Framed flat artwork. Rolled paper artwork. Sculptures. All of the above require tailored packaging materials and methods.

We use our very own Saphoy, branded packaging material. Ranging from our biodegradable bubblewrap, acid-free polythene reinforced paper, to our specialist foam core. Our materials provide protection by distributing pressure and impact across all areas, coupled with superb cushioning, preventing unwanted movement within the package. Our materials are pH neutral and will, therefore, have no chemical interaction with any material or object.

Saphoy preliminary packaging on site

Our specialists will arrive at your home, studio or gallery smartly dressed with identification.

Post examination of the item we would use a small space designated by you to prepare the package.

We would first prepare the work surface with a protective material to avoid scrapes and scuffs. The canvas would then be wrapped completely in acid-free, polythene reinforced, archival-quality glassine paper to help protect against dust and moisture. All sides and edges of the artwork are then covered and secured with acid-free artist tape. We then proceed to protect the entire piece with two layers of biodegradable bubble wrap. All seams of the bubble wrap are secured with artists packing tape to provide a further barrier against moisture. This piece is now ready to be secured with highly durable foam core edging ready for transport either to its destination or to our packing studio for concluding packaging.

Our specialists will leave your workspace spotless.

Saphoy concluding packaging off site

Upon arrival at our packing studio, the piece will be examined for additional packing requirements. Because your artwork is being transported by air or sea, it will require mandatory housing. We offer a selection of styles and sizes. We also custom fabricate housing upon our client’s request.

Your custom housing would be designed and built for lifetime use.

 
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2. Collection

Prior to, and on the day...

 

prior to the day of collection

The steps building up to the day of collection can vary from client to client.

By now we have the measurements, destination details and a firm date booked in our calendar. At this point, we have selected the staff and specific vehicles that will be allocated to your move. Our insurance documents, T’s & C’s and an invoice are all provided ahead of the day of collection.

 
 

The day of collection

Our specialists will arrive in an unbranded, or Saphoy branded vehicle. They will be smartly dressed and will present their ID before asking to access the premises.

They will then proceed to apply preliminary packaging, ready for the first stage of the artworks journey.

 
 

What we’ll need on the day

Our specialists are very efficient and self-sufficient. They will require a small area designated by you to carry out their preparation and preliminary packing.

The time needed to sufficiently pack varies on the artworks size and/or quantity being collected. We will provide a time-frame needed for packaging prior to arrival.

 
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3. Transportation

Specialist vehicles, insurance & methods of transport...

 

Artwork specific vehicles

We are proud to boast a fleet of artwork specific transportation vehicles. We use both branded and unbranded vehicles, dependant upon the value of the piece we are handling. All our vehicles are less than a year old, providing state of the art safety and security.

All our vehicles are equipped with 24hr monitor and guard tracking systems. We have CCTV installed inside the rear of the vehicle so that your package is never without a watchful eye.

 
 

Goods in transit insurance

Due to the extensive nature of the artwork we handle, we were unable to put in place an ‘off the shelf’ insurance policy. We, therefore, spent time with Royal & Sun Alliance plc, creating a water-tight level of cover to allow us to handle items with a singular or combined value of up to £10 million pounds.

This peace of mind is priceless, for both us and our clients.

 
 

road, sea & air

Whether your artwork needs to travel by road, sea, air or a combination, our infrastructure allows us to use the optimal mode of transport for your package.

We have trusted relationships with our partner couriers allowing us to receive both the highest levels of service and care. Everything we do is with you in mind.

 
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4. Delivery

The process & what to expect on the day...

 

The delivery process

Our delivery process varies ever so slightly dependant upon the mode of transport being used. Our end-to-end turn around time is between 1 to 10 days depending upon the customers budget and choice of transport.

What doesn’t change is our attention to detail. More importantly, our understanding that our clients prefer to be updated throughout the journey. We arrange for pre-agreed contact points to keep you fully informed. You can choose updates via text, email or even phone calls. Your peace of mind is important for us.

 
 

On the day of delivery

Once your package has a confirmed delivery date, we will share this information with you. We are able to allocate an exact date and time based on your requirements.

Last minute circumstances that you are unable to avoid..? Not to worry. We will reschedule to a time and date that suits you. Our end-to-end service is exactly that.

 
 
 
 
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Common questions

 

What if i need to store some of the artwork?

Saphoy is pleased to offer a range of secure, temperature controlled and alarmed storage options to suit your specific requirements.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY?

For our Fine Art projects, we require payment for the full service before the day of your move. We accept BACS, debit and credit cards.

DO YOU OPERATE AT THE WEEKEND?

Our service is fully tailored to our client’s needs, particularly to their timing requirements. We are available 24/7 to facilitate all timing requirements.

Have another question?

 
 
 

Contact Us

For general enquiries, bookings or free advice, call us on the number listed or send us a message with the form below and we’ll get back to you the very same day.

UK contact centre

+44 (0) 20 7112 8252